Gaza health system strained as civilian deaths rise, new field hospital planned

The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that Gaza's hospitals treated four civilians killed and 14 injured in the last 24 hours. Since the cease‑fire that began on 11 October, the death toll has risen to 1,207 with 3,914 wounded, while overall war casualties since 7 October total 73,333 dead and 174,023 injured. Israeli forces continue to breach the cease‑fire and maintain the blockade.

Dr. Beshar Murad, director of health programs for the Palestinian Red Crescent, said the health sector is "near collapse" after about 26 hospitals have been taken out of service by ongoing attacks. The organization has partially restored two hospitals and runs 19 clinics. A new field hospital with a capacity of 70 beds, operating rooms, maternity and neonatal units is scheduled to open in northern Gaza in early August to serve displaced residents.